Alun Carter appointed as Pontypool director of rugby

PONTYPOOL have moved swiftly to appoint former Wales head analyst Alun Carter as their director of rugby, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 49-year-old, who won two caps in 1991, has been promoted from his role of rugby consultant after head coach Mike Hook left to join Bridgend on Thursday.

Pooler wasted no time in turning to a man who knows all about the club after making 141 appearances in the back row and who last year wrote the highly-acclaimed book 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: The Rise and Fall of Pontypool RFC'.

He will be charged with helping Pooler return to the Premiership after making great strides under Hook following their 2012 demotion from the top flight and costly High Court battle.

Pooler finished 12th in the Championship in 2013 and climbed to fourth last season, so Carter is looking to build on the good work.

"It is a huge privilege to be asked to perform the role of director of rugby at my hometown club," he said. "We have an excellent back room staff and team spirit is strong following the good work of Mike Hook last season.

"It counts for nothing come September 1 and our goal will be to play every game to the best of our ability and I will look to give the direction needed to take us forward as individuals and as a team."

Carter was part of the Wales backroom between 1998 and 2007, working under Graham Henry, Steve Hansen, Grand Slam winner Mike Ruddock and Gareth Jenkins, before spending five years as team manager at Worcester.

Pontypool chief executive Peter Jeffreys said: "Alun is a consummate professional who has achieved many remarkable things in his professional rugby career.

"Combining those achievements with the raw passion and appreciation that he has for the history and culture of Pontypool RFC provides a perfect platform for the club to continue to develop strongly next season.

"Everybody at the club has worked exceptionally hard over the last two seasons to ensure that Pontypool RFC can thrive once again at the highest level of competition.

"I think that the combination of Alun and our fantastic group of coaches, support staff, medical personnel, squad volunteers and supporters will only serve to see the club achieve many great things."